By Dolly Yasa
Bacolod City – The results of the swab tests of residents in four localities Negros Occidental where mass testings were conducted during the “Timeout Weekend” is expected to be released within the week.
Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Negros Occidental Chapter President and Board Member Ryan Gamboa said that on Sunday, 315 residents of Silay City participated in the testing along with 725 from Talisay City.
On Monday, an estimated 800 residents of Bago City underwent testing, followed by Murcia with 600.
Gamboa said the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital Molecular Laboratory will be able to release the results in six to seven days
The Philippine Red Cross was also asked if it could also process the samples.
Gamboa said the mass testing was still a big success even if they were not be able to hit the target of 10,000 individuals.
Gamboa said the province’s quarantine facilities still have enough room in accommodating those who will test positive.
Over the weekend, Bacolod City wrapped up its own mass testing with more than 4,300 residents from the city’s 61 barangays subjected to swab test.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the initiative was still an overall success despite falling short of the targeted 5,000 individuals.
He said this proactive measure will help authorities determine how widespread the viral disease has become.
Leonardia thanked both Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and former congressman and economic provincial consultant Alfredo Benitez for the initiative geared to address the upsurge in COVID cases.
